rogier caprino
A heartfelt, charming, and funny memoir about growing up Jewish, life as a hooker - actor - artist, and living in 80/90s Gay NYC and LA. It's about not feeling ashamed to love, have sex if you want to, and being true with yourself. We as queer men should focus more on what's inside, the hotness outside is a bonus. I'll most likely re-read Pevsner's memoir in a few years when I'm in my thirties
It read like classic 2012 - 2015 ya fantasy but with better writing. Half mad max and frozen meets ice road truckers. There are brown ppl than Lilly white YA fantasy. The brown ppl are made of stone and rock. I like how Dittemore created the fantasy origin myth. . This book is about colonization. How the native people helped a marooned foreign royal but she betrayed them and caused a forever winter. It's about the exploited coal miners and native population starting a rebellion against The Majority. Our protag is an orphan who influences and mentally talks to winter. She's not human but has pale skin. Imagine Elsa. She's a bad bitch driving a magically enhanced ice road truck. She's a loner type but gradually cares for the ragtag group she unwillingly goes in a bargain with.
I docked stars because I found that some parts of the worldbuilding did not mesh with other parts. I'm also tired of straight couples and I'm very picky. It's a 3 star and still recommend it
The City Beautiful takes place at the backdrop of The 1893 Chicago. The White City. Alter Rosen, a Romanian Jewish guy has lived in the US close to 3 years now working at a low paying job to have his mother and little sisters brought over to escaping oppression in Europe. This is an amazing book about Jewish immigrant life in the US with a gothic horror core. A friend found dead possesses him to act revenge. Yakov ‘s Dybbuk is angry, antagonistic and yet you feel sympathy for this lost soul. You get to experience horror filled imagery which is full of Jewish lore and mythology. But the real life horrors are more terrifying: the exploiting of workers, the reasoning of killer, how discrimination is systemic and chilling how individuals see others as filth. A warning , the anti-Semitism is intense 80% into the book, it is mentioned in the dialog of two chapters.
I loved how Jewish this book, the customs, the food , faith and everyday life. The City Beautiful is a part thriller and murder mystery with but seeing Jewish life is really special. WW2 novels are important but I'm glad that publishing pushed out more non WW Jewish fiction. The action scenes and character building moments were well paced. The plot has a medium paced and it will be a disservice to you and the story heading in for the action. The action is intense but the characters matter more. Every page was needed to tell this story.
I adored Alter, Frankie and Raizel so much. I'd would love to be in their company. Each had a great arch but Alter has to be my favorite, embracing himself fully as a person and being queer , dealing with survivors guilt and not losing his kindness after the much needed self defense. Alter and Frankie are have faults, have messy feelings, are angry, have violent moments and are not desexualized gay guys. I'm so happy that they don't fit in the squeaky clean mold that popular YA media portrays. They showed love, passion and lust as much possible in a YA novel. Frankie is the ‘bad boy' from Alter's past. Frankie has a lot of trauma and it's respectfully written and mentioned. If I would label attach a trope to their romance it would be rekindled friends to lovers.
Aden Polydoros is 100% an autobuy author of mine after finishing The City Beautiful. Gah, I hope people read it. They are totally different but i had the same joy after finishing it I had with cemetery boys. I can't wait for the Bone Weaver next year, the MG the year after that and many others in years to come, I speak it into existence. READ THE CITY BEAUTIFUL for well researched historical life in Jewish ghettos, a well plotted story, a sweet romance that gradually builds , great rounded characters and a male lead that you want to hug immediately.
The French Royal but magic. Set during the early years of King Louis XIV reign , with real historical people as Prince Phillipe , Henriette of England , Armand de Gramont, Comte de Guiche and others. The royal palaces are grandiose, beautiful and bombastic but what if magic was the cause of it. Gold and glittery magic, The Sun KING deserves nothing less. Historical fiction goal is to entertain and educate or make known to an extend. Castellan makes me curious to research further into the lives of these complicated people. The marriage of Henriette and Phillipe had it's troubles and their presented personalities clash in this book but the fictional versions grow to love each other as people, friends and lovers what once only a marriage of convenience. Phillipe was my favorite character , in fact I had this debut on my radar because it mentions his queerness and him favoring men. Which I did not know and I had not learned about this royal in school. French history is not taught here. Henriette had to make peace with her husband being in a romantic relationship with Armand. Armand is a delight and I'd love to party with this fictional version. She eventually becomes friends with. Henriette can be frustrating when she is na??ve in situations but I have to remind myself that she is sheltered but with all this she is quick on her feet, brave and determent when the going gets though. They all hold each other together to stand up against the murderous and mysterious dark magician. If you are in need of a historical fantasy, In the shadow of the sun is solid choice. And i'll think of this trio now and then.
Charlie Vega is our titular lead. Her personality jumps from the page. She's smart, funny, artistic and a go getter. She and her mom. It's about a plus size young woman of color navigating through life. It deals with with being brown in a white neighborhood. Maldonado did a great job fleshing out Charlie and her relations with other people. People at work, school and at home. This title touches on diet culture and how mothers can love their daughters and be toxic at the same time. Heads up on that. I And I'm glad that there wasn't a situation were suddenly everything is okay because that kind of relationship really can???t easily be ???fixed???.
I love how the romance and Charlie's friendship had equal importance. It has an HEA and a non white interracial couple, heck yeah.
I recommend Fat chance, Charlie Vega for the lead alone. She truly is the MAIN CHARACTER. Living her MC life and i say this with lots of love. I know that many will fall in love with her
Meduse, this world we're in grows bigger this time around. You already feel how big it was in Melusine but the magic system, the wizarding school of thoughts and the politics are seen more clearly . The sequel is a traveling fantasy book as was it's predecessor. This time time traveling back to Melusine to mend the Virtu and letting our characters heal , fall and heal again along the way physically and metaphorically. We meet new characters, old ones and the hideous monster of a man returns.
The touchstones of magic and the wizardry school of thoughts are introduced in book 1 but not a lot if explained and you figure some out by context. Monette gradually explains the magic in the second one. The way different academic ways of study conflict in our society so do they as well with the Meduse. These are wizards who follow different theories of magic in a very scholarly way. I loved reading about these theories as Felix inevitably tries to get a grasp on each new concept of magic he comes across. The book show some knowledge is forgotten by time or destroyed on purpose. And why the series title is Doctrine of Labyrinths becomes known. I've never read about a magic system using mazes and labyrinths and this was so interesting to read. I loved how the magic was shown to be academic . I also loved learning about Felix ‘ connection with the dream realm and how it strengthened with the help of wizard he has grown close to and call friend. This mentoring and interacting is only possible in this realm because of his mentor ‘s state in the waking world. He is a huge part with the way Felix changes as a person for the better.
The sequel begins a few weeks after the occurrences in Melusine. We meet Mildmay and Felix again in the Gardens of Nephele. That magical order healed Felix from the magical trauma and mind . They care for each other and their brotherly bond grows stronger but it remains strained because even after year on the road Mildmay and Felix still know so little of each other. And Felix being selfish wizard with a huge ego doesn't help. Felix was often surprised to see Mildmay angry. Come on dude your at fault most of the time. You are really a more selfish, cruel and egotistical Howl lol. But I love how Felix shows more in actions and words how much he cares for Mildmay and the small group of loved ones trough out this book. But I know he'll screw it up somehow . Society in the garden , in Melusine and everwhere else sees Mildmay only as a thug. Felix doesn't understand how this hurts Mildmay. And the tension remains through out the book.
On their travel back home they meet known people, rescue some and fight others. We meet new characters of which Mehitabel is probably the biggest. She's an actress turned governess also running from her past, what we don't know yet when we meet her. I really appreciate how Mehitabel sees Mildmay as a person and not the scar faced thug most see. I admire how she doesn't make fun of Mildmay , which makes her the exact opposite of Felix's thoughtlessly cruel conversations with Mildmay.
She tries to be a proper friend towards Mildmay and notices the subtle changes that occur between Felix and Mildmay on the way home in ways others don???t. Mildmay needed someone desperately needed a friend like her that worries about him and doesn???t want to see him trod on by other people. She respects Mildmay more than he respects himself. She not afraid stand on even footing with strong characters and imposing figures Felix. He's said to unnaturally tall - I picture a 7 feet tall gorgeous redhaired man with brilliant arm and hand tattoos
But without Mildmay the story wouldn't have happened and he's the glue with these group of people. He's not as talented as Mehitabel to influence people with her acting or charming and does not have a presence like Felix. Mildmay is freaking intelligent , what he needs to believe he is. He's so funny with his dry wit , he's caring and loves the people he loves immensely. No other person would go to go underground into the ruins of an ancient death cult to rescue a rich young boy they met in their travels and no one would travel with a half-mad Felix , he just met, to the Gardens of Nephele . What Felix saw in a dream. Who knows if it would exist and were to find it. He trusted Felix to find the way in his half-mad state. Mildmay has seen so many friends burned to dead, get murdered or die in someway. I enjoy seeing his worldviews through his beautiful green eyes and dangit love him so much. The biggest thing I love about the relationship between the brothers is that no matter how complicated things get between them they still find comfort in each other. And I hope Felix shows Mildmay how deeply he cares, that huge ego is in the way. Just show it you silly.
The biggest thing I love about the relationship between the brothers is that no matter how complicated things get between them they still find comfort in each other.
I can't wait to follow these brothers in the two concluding novels.
Such a cool modern world with magic and dragons. Lana was a smart and kind lead to follow. Her love for her island, her culture and their dragons. I had to wrap my mind around the sport but that's on me I'm not a sports person. But come on a world cup with dragons is so cool. The mystery and the villain were a intriguing. I understand why he did why he but that's no no bueno. I really hope people give this a try.
Artist inspires Artist and media inspires media. The Route of Ice and Salt ( La ruta del hielo y la sal) was originally published in 1998 by a Mexican comic publisher Grupo Editorial VID, it didn't take root and but it became cult classic. It's now in English for the first time through Silvia Moreno-Garcia's efforts.
This novella reimagines Dracula???s voyage to England on The Demeter. The Route of Ice and Salt gives the nameless Captain a voice as gay man in this time period. This book is really about hunger, the captain ‘s hunger for love and physical touch, his sexual fantasies regarding his crewmen and Dracula's hunger where each crewmember is attacked one after an other. The captain realizes that he has a feeling besides hunger for his men, love and he will fight for them. This novella is about the captain ‘s emotional trauma he experienced as a young man, his internalized homophobia and accepting himself. . Z??rate does this by writing poetically , i had to re read sentences more than once because they were beautiful but also because i had to keep track if the captain remembered a memory or if was present time. It felt like a fever dream at times, a beautiful one but still fever dream. The Route of Ice and Salt is horror, poetry and philosophical. The latine SFF community knows of it's existence and I'm happy English readership can experience this emotional weird queer gothic story
2020 has to be year of the cold and standoff ish mother in YA. Funnily enough all encountered in fantasy this reading year. Difficult and nuanced motherly figures, Thea Hope is the daughter of such figure, She???s the daughter of a famous alchemist who looms over her. A Golden Fury is about Thea Hope, a young alchemist, who has the knowledge to make the Philosopher???s Stone. Before finishing the Philosopher???s Stone her mother goes mad and smashes their work. Because of this and escaping her mother???s anger she travels to find her beau, Will, and to make the stone before anyone else does. Cohoe really focused on the scientific side of SFF in A Golden Fury. The alchemy was more science based than magic based. It was all puzzle for Thea and her cohort to find out. Managing temperatures and putting in the right ingredients at the right time. Science is a real puzzle, figuring out the elements instead of cardboard pieces. It was great to see the fictional scientific methods and scenes in the lab where Thea looked at Arabic texts for instructions. The magic system was different and it's great to see different interpretations of alchemy. Cohoe really blended the alchemy in a historical setting. this book nailed the historical setting pretty darn well. Set in the backdrop of a weakened France before the revolution. I really enjoyed the plot and I was engrossed in it from the start to the end It had a great pace and was action-packed. Cohoe used the slower parts to her advantage were she used of knowledge of the half magic ??? half science practice to build the world. Bit by bit. I had to page at both paces in the story, eager to see what happened next. Cohoe???s lines and phrasing is a delight to read and roll of the tongue or in my case the mental version of that. And lastly a book is nothing without its characters. If you don???t care the characters no matter how creative or beautiful the writing, I can???t care. But you do care for Thea, how she???s treated by the people around her. Get mad how the men in her life don???t trust her or see her ingenuity. Loving Dominic so much how truly cares for her and wants the best for her. No one was that good or all that bad. Even our quick-witted lead Thea who could be selfish and have an ego at times. I loved how deeply flawed she and others were. People that love Historical fiction where magic doesn???t over power the story. Where the SF of SFF comes to play and a story with a flawed but human girl tries to be recognized for her talents. They for surely will enjoy A Golden Fury
Surrender your sons is a nightmare come true for queen folk. Conversation camps are real and still present in our society. Sass writes suspense amazingly and the action scenes are written fluently. The writing is precise and punchy. You feel the emotional pain of our lead and the dread of this nightmare place of a camp. I bowed out not reading after having my wish granted to read surrender our sons because it feels all too real reading it as a ace gay person. But I had to push through it because this book is THAT IMPORTANT. Sass deserves all the praise it has received so far and deserves even more. It fucking deserves to be a bestseller. Queer people, we can survive and prosper and we will.
Stories can be held captive, blemished with falsehoods it doesn't matter how long but the true story will break free.
Human touch are what everyone craves for. Tarisai has only ever known stories, knowledge and memories growing up. She grew up with people around her but she was lonely. Her mom the Lady showed no affection and was cold towards her and her mentors never touched her only ever lectured and instructed. Family is the only thing Tarisai ever wanted. She's instructed to get it and destroy it. She was born out of magic. Out of the Lady's wish. Tarisai needs to grow close to the crown prince , belong to his beloved , make him love her and kill him. Tarisai won't be a pawn in her story no matter what.
This world and magic system is enchanting but the true magic are the characters and that makes Raybearer all the more worthwhile. The book is very character driven but each character, even to the minor ones sets the plot in motion. Tarisai is the lead, we fall in love with her council mates the way she does with the eleven and we notice the prejudice and injustice lurking underneath bit by bit as she does. Tarisai is strong leading lady ,the emotional abuse makes her scared to be loved in every way possible. She's terrified it will be lost and will be taken away. It was a pleasure seeing her grow, be confident in herself and shine like a brilliant sun. Her loved ones, the council, the other eleven but in 3 particular stand by and show her that she's worthy of love. The council consist of people of different cultures and ethnicities but I'll spotlight Kirah, Sanjeet and Dayo. All 3 so different and immensely important to her. I'll let you'll discover for yourself. Speaking about love, Raybearer speaks about the absence of love and the different kind of love. The familiar bond between friends and romantic love has equal weight in importance. All types of love should be important.
The slow burn romance that Ifueko crafted and slowly build is a beautiful one. Still on the topic of love I'm so happy Ifueko included an ace character, Dayo - the crown prince. Dayo crushes on boys and girls. Being ace and homoromantic , I was so happy when I read it and hope others will too.
The opposite of love is destruction. Ifueko writes rage inducing about the horrors of colonialism and assimilation. How people in power will and have tried to destroy cultures and societies through law and military force. I can't wait to see people's reaction.
Worldbulding and magic
This is such an unique world and feels so fresh. The way 12 regions or realms are different but feel like one collective culture. Seeing character with different skin tones: Black, brown and white. I had to be extra creative when imaginating it and it's so easy with the help of Ifueko's beautiful writing. It helped me and challenged me to try to dismantle my learned Eurocentric mental picture. I envisioned Sanjeet with brown skin but ones or twice I saw a white person and that's an issue I have to combat. Seeing how Sanjeet is favorite character of mine.
The magic system is beautiful to see. We have pixies and black fairies.Hallows are gifts one is born with. Any possible power imaginable. Tarisai interacts with memories of objects , nature and people whenever she touches. The council , her friends have different power each. I can't wait to see how her gift and the others flourish. To see how the world and magic system will be further explored.
Raybearer is a rhythmic cultural practice on the page. It felt like listening to orally told story when reading. Suriname has loads, every culture different but still Surinamese. Raybearer stands on it's own and will enrich the already published African YA fantasy and the ones to come next year and years to come. I know without a doubt the audiobook will be magical and and an experience.
This is shelved as comedy and satire. And it is but also shows the college frat life with sex, partying, the yolo life and more sexual exploits. I had to roll my eyes at the character jokes and laughed at other moments. Such a mix bag for me personally. The title is structured with multiple POV. It jumps between about 5 characters. I liked some better than others but I would never want any of them to be in my live. Character aren't always to be liked but they are spoiled college kids. If profanity and sex isn't for I'd say skip. I read through the book being ace, that's an experience. The writing is solid and readable. It was a slice of life story with an something ending that's unexpected. I'll leave it at that. This book will find an audience
This title is marketed as feminist mashup of the lost boys and the craft. I'd throw in a dash of practical magic. The 80s vibes with the witchy side. The powerful Matrilineal line. I admire the female bonds between the Brayburn family. How messy but still caring family can be. The story starts when the Roxy and Mayhem Brayburn flee from Mayhem's stepdad. They flee from Texas to Santa Maria, California.
After kidnappings happen in Santa Maria, Mayhem makes it her goal to use gifts to seek revenge and save the girls.
Mayhem screams Kristen Stewart. Mayhem comes of cold and Stewart would do great. I stand by it Stewart is talented AF. Go watch Speak and Personal Shopper. Mayhem has a silent rage and needs someone like Stewart.
I really enjoyed the writing but the pacing is slower burn. You really have to like or read about Mayhem as character to read forward. Seeing other review I see where they are coming from. One thing to add this book is weird. We're sliding in to Fabulism territory. What I really enjoyed. Mayhem is part Brazilian but it feels more like a white character painted biracial. I side eyed it a couple of times
This is a personal reason but I can't stand that the lead ,Mayhem calls her mom and aunt by their first names in her narration and dialogue. It's a constant eyesore. I know that the Brayburn see each others as sisters but it was annoying and felt White. Us south Americans would not dare to speak to our parents that way. This also a reason why it didn't feel real. I finished this book feeling a 3 out of 5. Great writing with a interesting lead but why what feels like a painted over white character.